Fiberboard portable platform



June 29, 1948. N. L. CAHNERS 2,444,183

FIBERBOARD PORTABLE PLATFORM Filed July 14, 1945 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 IN V EN TOR.

June 29, 1948.

Filed July 14, 1945 N. L. CAHNERS FIBERBOARD PORTABLE PLATFORM 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR.

June 29, 1948. CAHNERS 2,444,183

FIBERBOARD PORTABLE PLATFORM Filed July 14, 1945 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 IN VEN TOR.

$1M (fa/4W AZ mw/ June 29, 1948.

N. L. CAHNERS FIBERBOARD PORTABLE PLATFORM 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed July 14, 1945 p v li lllllllllll l l.l|

INVEN 0 W June 29, 1948. N. L. CAHNERS 2,444,183

FIBERBOARD PORTABLE PLATFORM Filed July 14, 1945 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR.

BY 7mm 114: mu i Patented June 29, 1948 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 2,444,183 FIBERBOARD PORTABLE PLATFORM Norman L. Cahners, Newton, Mass.

Application July 14, 1945, Serial No. 605,059 20 Claims. (Cl. 248-120) This invention relates to portable platforms adapted for use in lift truck operations and generally referred to as skids or pallets.

Such platforms have found considerable use in the storage and transportation of goods. The saving in labor handling is considerable where gOOdS may be palletized and shipped through with the .pallet to their destination. A drawback to their use in through transportation however, particularly in common carrier transportation, is that the platforms are carried by common carriers at Interstate Commerce Commission rates for the palletized commodity, just as any shipping package or crate. The platform therefore contributes a considerable part of the shipping cost because of its own weight and, in carload lots, involves expensive space consumption. Typical wooden and steel platforms weigh 100 pounds or more.

A second disadvantage in present day platforms is the problem of return of empties." Either the platforms are one use" platforms so that their entire value must be absorbed as a shipping or other overhead cost, or else attention and consideration must be given to their return shipment. Since the cost of wooden platforms runs as high as six dollars apiece, and of steel platforms at least double that figure, single use involves an item of considerable consequence, while unloaded return shipment is a nuisance and an added cost.

It is a primary object of this invention to pro- 30 vide portable platforms that are light in weight so that their transportation cost will be practically negligible.

It is a further object of this invention to provide highly inexpensive platforms having adequate strengths to handle all but extremely heavy or otherwise unusual commodities, and the small cost of which will justify their one-shipment use.

It is a further object of this invention to provide platforms which can be supplied in knock- 40 down form for ready assembly by the userv or disassembly for return shipment.

It is a further specific object of this invention to provide lightweight platforms made of fiberwhich may be sold in substantially flat form for storage in such form; to be folded and assembled into two-way platforms or four-way platforms when used.

Other objects of the invention will be referred to in the course of the following descriptions of typical platforms of my invention and further ad-. vantages will become apparent in the light of these descriptions.

The above and other objects of the invention are attained in the structures shown in the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is an isometric view of a preferred form of platform constructed in accordance with my invention;

Fig, 2 is a .partial isometric detail of one of the components of the platform shown in Fig. 1 but in unfolded sheet form, illustrating how that component is folded to the form shown in dotted lines and as utilized in the construction in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view taken along the lines 3-3 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a plan view in unfolded sheet form, broken away centrally, of another of the components utilized in the construction of Fig. 1;

5 is an elevation of the sheet shown in Fig.

Fig. 6 is an elevation of the component of Figs. 4 and 5 folded to assembly form but with certain portions thereof in a collapsed state to provide a substantially flat component and showing in dotted lines the component set up for assembly with components of the type shown in Fig. 2;

Fig. 7 is a modified form of blank adapted to provide a four-way platform;

Fig. 8 is a. side elevation of the blank of Fig. 7 i

when folded to assembly position;

Figs. 9 is an end elevation of the device shown in Fig.

Fig, 10 is a bottom plan of the device shown in Figs. 8 and 9;

Fig. 11 is a modified form of the component shown in Fig. 2;

Fig. 12 is a, perspective view of a further modiboard having adequate strengths to handle aver- 5 fled form of my invention;

age loads.

It is a further object of this invention to provide fiberboard blanks scored for folding into assembled form to produce two-way or to produce four-way platforms.

It is a further object of this invention to provide one-piece fiberboard blanks scored for folding to form two-way platforms or four-way platforms.

It is a further object of this invention to pro- Fig. 13 is a plan of a still further modified form of my invention;

Fig. 14 is a partial isometric view of another modification;

Fig. 15 is a detail of the construction utilized in the form shown in Fig. 14;

Figs. 16 and 17 are details showing further modifications; and

Fig. 18 is an end elevation of a further modivide cooperating fiberboard components each of 66 flcation.

The structure shown in Fig. 1 comprises a materials handling platform constructed essentially 4 rugated fiberboard. as is preferred, the sheet is cut and scored in such manner that the corrufrom four fiberboard sheet components. The

primary component is a large fiberboard sheet having a central panel 2, adapted to form the elevated platform of the device, and having lateral extensions which are suitably scored to permit them to be folded under the platform 2 to provide a series of three hollow sleeves 4, 3 and I extending in parallel relation longtudinally of the structure and defining therebetween two passageways for lift truck fork entry. The hollow sleeves 4, 6 and l are reinforced by the insertion therein of three substantially identical hollow trussed reinforcing elements 30, each of which is formed from a single fiberboard sheet as illustrated in the broken-away Figure 2.

Preferably the four essential components are formed of corrugated fiberboard, in which case the primary fiberboard component is cut in such manner that the corrugations thereof will extend laterally of the elevated platform 2 and. as shown in Fig. 3, will extend vertically of all upright sections of the sleeves 4, 6 and 8.

For the purposes of further clarity, the primary component utilized in the construction of the platform shown in Fig. l is shown in blank sheet form in Figs. 4-and5. This sheet shows the central panel 2 and lateral extensions on each side thereof. The lateral extension of one side is divided by scores into a side panel 3, a bottom face panel 5 (for sleeve 8), an inner upright portion 1 (for sleeve 8), an under-panel 3, side and bottom face panels ll, I3 and I5, respectively, for forming sleeve 6, and a terminal panel H.

The lateral extension at the other side of panel 2 includes panels identical with panels 3, 3, 1 and H, which have been referenced i2, i4, i6 and I8, respectively. for forming sleeve 4.

The fiberboard sheet of Fig. 4 is scored in the manner shown in Fig. 5 to permit ready folding thereof to the form shown in Fig. 1 and in dotted lines in Fig. 6. As thus folded, the two longitudinal edge portions of the sheet are brought into abutting relation at joint 22 where they are suitably stapled or otherwise fastened to central panel 2.

Elements 33 are then inserted in the formed sleeves 4, 6 and 8.

The reinforcing elements 33 are each formed from a single sheet of fiberboard of the same length as panel 2, and of a width suitable for folding into the form shown in dotted lines in Fig. 2. to provide a rectangular reinforcing element of dimensions such that it will just fit into any of the sleeves 4, 3 or 8. The sheet of fiberboard includes a central panel 32 with laterally extending panels 33, 35, 31, 39 and 4| on one side and respectively identical panels 34, 36, 38, 43 and 42 on the other extension, each of the panels being separated by a suitable score as shown in Fig. 2 so that the panels may be folded to the form shown in dotted: lines in Fig. 2 with panels 33, 34

and 31, 33, fonming upright sections, with panels 35, 36 forming horizontal top panels,-panels 33 and 40 forming intemal bottom panels and panels 4i, 42 forming internal truss elements extending in opposite diagonal directions as shown. The

reinforcing elements may and preferably are fastened in folded position prior to sliding insertion into'sleeves 4, 6 and 8, although this is not essential. Such fastening can be accomplished by application of a flat fastening element 43 such as of gummed paper tape.

Where the fiberboard sheet 30 is made of corgations will run vertically of the upright sections 33, 31 and 34, 33.

Upon completion of assembly to the form shown in Fig. 1, it will be seen that the elevated platform 2 is supported by a series of three supporting members, each of which comprises six corrugated fiberboard uprights internally trussed against lateral sway by panels 4| and 42.

A structure thus built'has been found to have almost unbelievable load capacity. Utilizing inch corrugated fiberboard a device havin overall dimensions of about x 45 inches has been found capable of sustaining a load of three tons. Furthermore, the rigidity of the platform 2 when lifted by a lift truck is most surprising.

As previously stated. one of the advantages of this invention is that the complete platform may he sold and shipped in knock-down sheet form. the fiberboard sheets having been suitably scored as shown to permit their ready folding and assembly, and requiring no further labor except stapling, gummlng, or otherwise fastening the primary component in the folded position.

In fact, if desired. the folding of the primary component may be done by a manufacturer and then the sleeves 4, 3 and 3 may be collapsed to the position shown in dotted lines in Fig. 6 for shipment in substantially flat form along with accompanying three fiberboard reinforcing elements 30 in sheet form. The components may be stored in this fiat form until ready for assem bly and use. Economy in storage space is thus secured.

The platform may be almost as readily disassembled for the purpose of return, if desired.

The platform previously described is adapted for what is known in the art as two-way operation, that is, lift truck fork entry is provided only on two sides of the structure.

Figs. 7 through 11, inclusive, illustrate a modified form of device designed for four-way entry but embodying other of the features hereinbefore described with reference to the device of Figs. 1

suitably scored, as shown, and folded. it provides a folded component as shown in Fig. 10, provided on its under surface with nine sleeve-like units ill, 52 and 54, 30, ii and 82, and 63, 64 and 65,

which are shown slightly more elongated than those of Fig. 1. The end panels. l1 and I3 are gummed in abutting relation in each case at 22.

For the purpose of reinforcing the nine sleeves, reinforcing elements Ill (Fig. 11) are utilized. The units 10, shown in Fig. 11, each comprises a single fiberboard sheet having a base portion 12 and lateral extensions identical on both sides, including successively a side upright 13, a top section 14, an inside upright 15. an inside bottom section 18, a second outer upright 11, and a truss ll.

As in the case of the reinforcing element of Fig. 2, the supporting member of Fig. 11 may be fastened in folded position by application of a tape 48 or other fastening means.

Nineof such units may then be slidingly inserted in the sleeve units to provide a four-way structure for lift truck fork entry on any one of the four sides of the structure, as shown in Figs. 8 and 9. Or, if the sleeves 58, 55, 88, 52, 84 are modified in dimensions, units 38 may be used instead of units 10. x

The four-way structures may be sold in knocked-down or partially completed but collapsed condition as in the case of the two-way device of Figs. 1 to 6.

Figs. 12 and 13 show further modifications of the device wherein the elevated platform instead of being integral with the sleeve portions is separate therefrom and comprises an individual fiat sheet without lateral extensions. In this modification, in order to provide sufllcient strength, the reinforcing elements are preferably the units so that there are provided the same number of upright sections, that is, six, for each supporting member as in Fig. 1. Nine of these units may be fastened to the under surface of the platform 19 of the device of Fig. 12, either adhesively or by stapling, to provide a four-way platform. If desired, instead of all facing in one direction as shown in Fig. 12, the supporting members may be staggered in direction where that is found to be desirable.

Fig. 13 illustrates a two-way platform built on the principle of a single top separate, panel 18 and three reinforcing elements 8| of the type shown in Fig. 11 each made from a single corrugated fiberboard sheet but of a length sufllcient so that each supporting member extends the full length of the platform.

Fig. 14 illustrates a pallet constructed wholly from a single one-piece sheet of fiberboard, suitably scored for folding to the form shown. This single sheet of fiberboard again includes an elevated platform section 2, and aside portion 3. The next panel 88, however, extends inwardly beneath panel 2 to the longitudinal median, and then is folded upwardly to form an upright 82, back across the top to form an underface 84, down on the outer side to form another upright 85 and then the end panel is formed into a double truss element 88, a fiat upper central portion 81 thereof being stapled, as by staples 88, through and through to the fiberboard sections 2 and 84.

An extension on the other side of the central panel 2 of the device of Fig. 14 provides an identical supporting member for the other side of the platform. In this case lift truck fork entry is provided above the panels 80 and in the passageways formed by the trusses 86. In order to provide suillcient strength in the device of Fig. 14, it is desirable to use double-faced corrugated fiberboard of the type illustrated in Fig, 15. Such fiberboard may of course be used in making any of the other elements heretofore described.

Depending upon whether the extensions forming the supporting members of Fig. 14 extend the complete longitudinal extent of platform 2, as in the case of the device of Figs. 1 to 6 hereof, or are cut away longitudinally as in the case of the device of Figs. '7 to 10, the structure of Fig. 14 will provide a two-way or a four-way pallet.

While the hollow trussed reinforcing elements of Fig. 2 herein described provide admirable reinforcing elements for the sleeve type of structure shown in Figs. 1 to 6 and 7 to 10, respectively, particularly because of their light weight and minimum material use, certain objects of the inthat the corrugations thereof extend vertically of the platform, as is the preferred structure in the case of the other forms of the invention heretofore described.

Another example of a reinforcing insert is illustrated in Fig. 17 wherein fiberboard sheets 82 are inserted in face-to-face relation but run horizontally instead of vertically of the platform.

Fig. 18 shows another form of pallet made from a single piece of fiberboard similar to the device of Fig. 14. Here, however, the panels 8 and 88 continue into uprights 82 and underfaces 84 and then into trusses 88 instead of into the elements 84 and 88 of the device of Fig. 14. The form of device of Fig. 18 has limited use because the spans of underfaces 84 cannot be made very extensive without sacrifice in strength and it is necessary to maintain uprights 82, 82 in face-to-face relation in' order to prevent lateral sway. In general, in all of the devices of this invention it is desirable to limit the span between uprights to as great a degree as is consistent with adequate span to permit entry of conventional 4" width lift truck forks at suitably spaced intervals.

It will be understood that the device of Fig. 18 may be made either as a two-way or a four-way platform in accordance with principles hereinbefore explained.

When devices of this invention are likely to be exposed to outdoor weather conditions, it may be advisable and it is within the contemplation of the invention to treat a portion or all of the fiberboard elements to render them waterproof or water-resistant as by the application thereto Y or impregnation thereof of water-repellent materials of types known to the art, such as resins.

natural or synthetic rubbers. inorganic silicates.

It will be understood that staples, adhesives,

gummed paper tapes or other fastening means may be placed at points other than those shown in the drawings in order to maintain the components in assembled condition. For instance, with respect to Fig. 1 the sleeves 4, 6 and 8 should be so fastened as to prevent their separating downwardly from panel 2, This can he done by interposing adhesive at suitable points between underfaces 8, l1 and i8 and panel 2 or by folding gummed tape over their edges.

I claim:

1. 'A portable materials handling accessory adapted for use in lift truck operations comprising a fiberboard sheet platform and a plurality of spaced fiberboard supporting members elevating said platform and defining therebetween passageways for lift truck fork entry beneath said platform, each of said supporting members comprising a single sheet of corrugated fiberboard folded into an open-ended hollow trussed rectangular unit presenting at least four upright sections having the corrugations thereof extending vertically thereof and tw sections extending obliquely between said upright sections.

2. A fiberboard blank adapted for use in con- 7 structing a portable materials handling lift truck accessory comprising a sheet of fiberboard having a central panel adapted to form an elevated platform and a plurality of longitudinally spaced side portions integral with said central panel extending laterally from at least one side of said central panel, each of said side portions having a series of laterally spaced scores to divide said portions into a side panel, a bottom face panel, another side panel and an end panel whereby said side portions may be folded along said scores under said central panel with surfaces of said end panels in face to face relation with said central panel,

to provide a plurality of hollow longitudinally spaced sleeves extending longitudinally beneath said central panel.

3. A portable materials handling accessory adapted for use in lift truck operations consisting essentially of a single fiberboard sheet having a central panel forming an elevated platform and having side portions integral with said central panel folded under said panel to provide a pinrality of hollow sleeves extending beneath said platform and defining passageways for lift truck fork entry beneath said platform and fiberboard trusses integral with said sleeves disposed internally of said sleeves to reinforce said sleeves against lateral sway.

4. A flat fiberboard blank adapted to be folded into a portable materials handling lift truck accessory consisting essentially of a one-piece fiberboard sheet having a, central panel adapted to form an elevated platform and side portions integral with said central panel, each of said side portions having a series of spaced scores to divide said portions into a side panel, a bottom face panel, another side panel and an end panel whereby each of said side portions may be folded along said scores under said central panel with the side and bottom panels thereof forming a hollow sleeve extending beneath said central panel, and the end panel thereof forming an internal truss for said sleeve.

5. A portable materials handling accessory adapted for use in lift truck operations comprising a platform adapted to receive a load upon its upper surface and a plurality of rigid paperboard supporting members disposed beneath and elevating said platform and defining on four sides of said platform openings of greater width than height leadin to intersecting passageways for ,fourway lift truck entry beneath said platform,

each of said supporting members comprising paperboard stock wound into a rigid unit presenting vertically and horizontally extending portions constituted of convolutions of said paperboard stock disposed in face-to-face relation,

6. A portable materials handling accessory as claimed in claim wherein each of said members comprises a corrugated paperboard sheet wound into a rigid unit presenting vertically and horizontally extending portions constituted of a plurality of convolutions of said corrugated sheet disposed in face-to-face relation, with the corrugations of the corrugated sheet extending normal to the plane of said platform in said vertically extending portions.

7. A portable materials handling accessory adapted for use in lift truck operations comprising a platform adapted to receive a load upon its upper surface and a plurality of rigid paperboard supporting members secured beneath and elevating said platform, and defining openings of greater width than height for lift truck entry beneath said platform, each of said supporting members 8 comprising paperboard stock wound into a rigid unit constituted of connected convolutions of said wound paperboard, said convolutions bein disposed in face-to-face relation throughout the unsecured peripheral extent of said wound unit.

8. A portable materials handling accessory as claimed in claim '7 wherein the rigid unit is tubular.

9. A portable materials handling accessory adapted for use in lift truck operations comprising a platform adapted to receive a load upon its upper surface and a plurality of rigid paperboard supporting members secured beneath and elevatadapted for use in lift truck operations comprising aplatform adapted to receive a load upon its upper surface and a plurality of rigid paperboard supporting members disposed beneath and elevating said platform and defining openings of greater width than height for lift truck entry beneath said platform, each of said supporting members comprising paperboard stock wound into a rigid unit presenting vertically and horizontally extending portions constituted of convolutions of said paperboard stock disposed in face-to-face relation.

12. A portable materials handling accessory as claimed in claim 11, wherein the paperboard stock is corrugated paperboard and the corrugations of said paperboard extend longitudinally around the axes of the wound units.

13. A portable materials handling accessory adapted for use in lift truck operations comprising a platform and a plurality of paperboard supporting members disposed beneath and elevating said platform and defining openings for lift truck entry beneath said platform, said supporting members having bottom panels disposed parallel to said platform, upright panels extending normal to said platform and reinforcing elements extending obliquely with respect to said upright panels and across corners of said supporting members to brace said members against lateral collapse.

14. A portable materials handling accessory as claimed in claim 13 wherein said supporting members comprise corrugated paperboard and wherein the corrugations in the upright panels extend normal to the plane of the platform.

15. A portable materials handling accessory as claimed in claim 13 wherein each supporting member consists of a single integral folded sheet of paperboard.

16. A portable materials handling accessory adapted for use in lift truckoperations comprising a platform and a plurality of spaced p perboard supporting members elevating said platform and defining therebetween passageways for lift truck fork entry beneath said platform, said supporting members comprising hollow paperboard sieeves and units of wound paperboard disposed internally of said sleeves and contactbrace said walls tween on four sides of said platform openings of greater width than height leading to intersecting passageways for four way lift truck entry beneath said platform, each of said supporting members comprising a flat horizontally-extending base-forming portion parallel to the plane of said platform and a unit of wound paperboard interposed between said platform and said baseforming portion.

18. A portable materials handling accessory adapted for use in lift truck operations comprising a paperboard sheet having a plane portion forming a platform and portions integral with said plane portion folded under said plane portion to provide a series of spaced tubular exten sions and units of wound paperboard disposed claimed in claim 18, wherein the wound units are tubular.

20. A portable materials handling accessory adapted for use in lift truck operations comprising a platform and a plurality of spaced paperboard supporting members elevating said platform and defining therebetween passageways for lift truck forty entry beneath said platform, each of said supporting members comprising a single sheet of corrugated paperboard folded into an open-ended hollow trussed rectangular unit presenting upright sections having the corrugations thereof extending vertically thereof and at least one section of said sheet extending obliquely between said upright sections.

NORMAN L. CAHNERS.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

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